Too late with working conditions and too stingy with training
Published: Wednesday, May 8th 2024, 16:20
Volver a Live Feed
Time is running out for the second stage of the implementation of the care initiative. While waiting for better working conditions, staff are running away, was the basic tenor of the SP and trade unions. The health directors criticized the training offensive starting in July.
On Wednesday, the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Health (GDK) described the federal government as too cautious when it comes to promoting training for nursing staff.
She criticized the Federal Council for wanting to make the federal contributions degressive and thus gradually reduce them. Graduated federal contributions towards the end of the funding period would be counterproductive for the desired goal, and the cantons would thus lack planning security.
In addition, the GDK does not agree with the time limit of eight years. Finally, the new constitutional article "clearly states" that the Confederation and cantons must ensure sufficient nursing staff.
The GDK has commented on the second stage of the implementation of the nursing initiative, the law proposed by the Federal Council for better working conditions for nursing staff, in the consultation process. Some cantons have already introduced improvements.
Rapid action required
The need for action is increasing daily, warned the SP. Nursing staff need better working conditions quickly. Although the thrust of the federal law is correct, care funding and staffing should not fall by the wayside. More resources are needed for this.
The Swiss Association of Public Service Employees (VPOD) described the proposals for the second stage as a "placebo". The measures were insufficient and too late. For many cantons, they would even mean a step backwards. A functioning healthcare system needs binding staffing ratios and salaries.
The Federal Council is only partially implementing the care initiative and thus the people's mandate with the federal law on working conditions, wrote the Professional Association of Nursing Staff (SBK). It is unacceptable that the state government is not ensuring care funding and needs-based staffing.
©Keystone/SDA
Spanish 
English 
German 
French 
Arabic